Social media addiction is a common trend among teenagers, as it provides instant gratification and drives individuals to constantly check their feeds due to the fear of missing out on their peers’ activities. Psychologists attribute this addiction to the intentional structure of social media platforms and the teenagers’ fear of exclusion. This addiction can lead to changes in behavior, affecting mental health and self-esteem. Dr. Parvathi Raveendran, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes the negative impact of social media on individuals’ cognitive and social development, especially in teenagers.
Parents have observed changes in their children’s behavior due to social media use, such as increased withdrawal or behavior that is out of character. However, some individuals, like Mohammed Ibrahim, find inspiration on social media, using it to promote themselves and reach a wider audience. Proper usage of social media during formative years is crucial to avoid excessive use that could impact decision-making, impulse control, and overall functioning. Child behaviorist Rawan Eid Al Desouki advises parents to consider factors like age and personality before allowing their children to use social media.
Dr. Shaju George, a psychiatrist, warns that social media can distort one’s view of the world, leading to cognitive aberrations. He emphasizes that there are no specific age limits for the impacts of social media, as it mainly depends on the time spent on these platforms and the resulting social isolation. Some teenagers, like Saood Chaudry, struggle to disconnect from social media, fearing losing contact with certain people. This fear of losing connection and missing out on updates from peers further fuels their addiction.
Teenagers like Aliza Butler experience changes in personality due to their social media use, with parents noticing withdrawal and changes in behavior. These shifts in behavior can have a negative impact on mental health, leading to anxiety and depressive symptoms. Dr. Parvathi highlights the importance of parental guidance and monitoring of teenagers’ social media use to ensure sensible usage. It is essential for teenagers to use social media in a balanced way, with restrictions on the time spent to prevent negative impacts on their cognitive and social development. Proper usage of social media during teenage years can contribute to a healthier relationship with these platforms and better overall well-being.
